Learning Ability / Disability Testing
This type of testing is a formal method for evaluating intelligence, and an individual’s ability to perceive, process, and express information. We offer psychological testing to help your child with placement in school as well as to help identify any learning difficulties that may be preventing a student from reaching their fullest potential. Additionally we offer testing to assess for Giftedness and Learning Disabilities. All such assessments and testing batteries generally culminate in the completion of a written report that provides test results, interpretation of results, a diagnosis, treatment recommendations, and effective interventions. At The Practice LA we are able to provide this type of testing in several languages, including: English, Spanish, Armenian, Farsi, and Italian.
Reasons for Performing Learning Abilities Testing
Learning Abilities Testing is most frequently requested by parents, educators, school administrators, and students. This type of assessment can be useful to provide educational accommodations, make personal and academic recommendations, and design effective interventions. Our assessments nd reports meet guideline requirements for the College Board (e.g. SAT), graduate school (e.g. GRE, LSAT, MCAT) and professional licensure exams.
How Learning Abilities Testing Can Help
It can be tough to face the possibility that your child has a learning disorder. No parents want to see their children suffer. You may wonder what it could mean for your child's future, or worry about how your kid will make it through school. Perhaps you’re concerned that by calling attention to your child's learning issues they may be labeled "slow" or even worse "retarded" and suffer the stigma of being placed in special ed classes. The important thing to remember is that most kids with learning disabilities are just as smart as everyone else. They just need to be taught in ways that are tailored to their unique learning styles. By learning more about learning disabilities in general, and your child’s learning difficulties in particular, you can begin to advocate for your child, and help pave the way for success at school and beyond. Our learning disability testing and assessments assist in identifying strengths and weaknesses across many areas of functioning, including:
- Academic Achievement
- Adaptive Functioning
- Behavior (attention, aggression, etc.)
- Cognitive Development and Intelligence
- Emotion (depression, anxiety, etc.)
- Motor Coordination
- Visual Perception
- Visual-Motor Integration
When compared to normative data that is culturally appropriate (e.g. age, gender, education, primary language) these assessments allow for identification of specific learning disabilities such as:
- Asperger’s Syndrome
- Attention Deficit Disorder, ADD, ADHD
- Autism
- CAPD (Central Auditory Processing Disorder)
- Developmental Delays
- Dyscalculia
- Dysgraphia
- Dyslexia
- Dyspraxia (Sensory Integration Disorder)
- Giftedness
- Nonverbal Learning Disability
- Visual Processing Disorder
- Various Forms of Psychological Discomfort
Instruments Used for Learning Abilities & Disabilities Testing
All learning assessments and test batteries include a review of relevant documentation, a clinical interview with a Licensed Psychologist, and the administration of accepted psychological testing if needed. Following a personal interview and with the requesting parties, verbal feedback and a written psychological report are prepared. This written report is generally ten pages or more. It includes specific sections pertaining to the interview and tests administered, an interpretation of results, and professional psychological recommendations. Common evaluation methods include:
- Clinical Interview
- CAT: Children’s Apperception Test
- DAS, CAS, PASS
- Memory & Recall Scales
- Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-Adolescent
- Various IQ Tests, including:
- Stanford-Binet Intelligence Scales
- Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales (Vineland-II)
- Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale- (WAIS-IV)
- Wechsler Individual Achievement Test- (WIAT)
- Wechsler Intelligence Test - (WISC-IV)
- Wechsler Nonverbal Scale of Ability (WNV)
- Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence (WPPSI-III)
- Woodcock-Johnson® III Tests of Achievement
- Other Standardized Psycho Diagnostic Testing - As Needed
Signs & Symptoms of Learning Disabilities
- Acting out, or excessive behavioral problems
- Boredom in class
- Confusing words when reading
- Constantly loosing or misplacing things
- Difficulty controlling crayons, pencils, and scissors or coloring within the lines
- Difficulty following directions or learning routines
- Difficulty rhyming
- Difficulty telling time and remembering sequences
- Difficulty with reading comprehension or math skills
- Dislikes reading and writing; avoids reading aloud
- Frustration with homework, or neglect of homework
- Inability to concentrate on or complete simple tasks
- Inability to follow directions
- Inability to learn new skills
- Inability to sit still for brief periods of time
- Misspelling words and frequent reading errors
- Poor grades
- Poor handwriting
- Poor organizational skills: bedroom, homework, or desk are mess)
- Problems pronouncing words, finding the right word, or stuttering
- Trouble completing tasks on time
- Trouble following classroom discussions and expressing thoughts aloud
- Trouble learning basic math concepts, or reading maps
- Trouble learning the alphabet, numbers, colors, shapes, days of the week
- Trouble learning the connection between letters and sounds
- Trouble sequencing
- Trouble with buttons, zippers, snaps, learning to tie shoes
- Trouble with open-ended test questions and word problems
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